The Body Shop veteran Paul Abbott lands Head of Data Insight and Business Intelligence role

Paul Abbott is starting a new position as Head of Data Insight and Business Intelligence at The Body Shop.

He has been at the retailer for almost 23 years, most recently serving as Senior Business Analyst (Data).

RELEX Solutions

The Body Shop is working with RELEX Solutions as it looks to transition from manual and labour intensive supply chain processes to a unified, AI driven platform.

The retailer says it will implement forecasting and replenishment to optimise inventory management and improve operational efficiency across its global stores, franchises, and distribution centres. 

Previously, The Body Shop was unable to continuously deliver outputs at the required pace, using legacy ERP systems and manual processes. As part of its renewal strategy, it is focused on building a leaner, more resilient supply chain to support strategic growth, particularly through its expanding franchise network.

The Body Shop veteran Paul Abbott lands Head of Data Insight and Business Intelligence role

“RELEX provides far more than a demand planning & inventory solution, it is a catalyst for transformation,” says Hitesh Amin, Chief Technology & Transformation Officer, The Body Shop.

“It enables us to deliver on two critical imperatives: reducing waste, which lies at the heart of our ethos, and accelerating our ambition to become an AI and data first beauty company. By embedding advanced forecasting and replenishment capabilities, we shift from reactive operations to predictive intelligence, building a supply chain that is agile, resilient, and a true driver of competitive advantage.”

“This partnership allows us to focus where it matters most: serving our customers, empowering our franchise partners, and driving purposeful, sustainable growth across our global network.” 

“The Body Shop has long been a pioneer in ethical beauty and prides itself on its commitment to smaller suppliers, fostering an ecosystem of equality and opportunity,” Johanna Småros, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer at RELEX.

“We are eager to support this endeavour and enable The Body Shop to reduce waste, improve operational agility, and continue to uplift small suppliers and partners, helping them thrive in a more equitable, efficient retail ecosystem.” 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Supply chain technology was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

VoCoVo, Everseen, Sensei, Gander, Iceland, Olio, Trust Retail, East of England Co-op, Lekkerland SE, Poq, Mamas & Papas, Varner, Sitoo, and Zebra Technologies were among our winners this year.

We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.

For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.